Survivor’s pension

The survivors’ pensions are paid to persons who have lost a spouse, former spouse or parent (father/mother). Entitlement to a survivor’s pension starts on the first day of the month following the death.

General conditions of eligibility for receiving a survivor’s pension:

An OASI survivor’s pension is payable if:

  • The deceased has paid contributions for at least one year, or
  • The deceased qualifies for one year of parental or care credits, or
  • The deceased’s spouse has paid at least twice the minimum contribution.

There are three types of survivors’ pensions:

Widow’s pension

Conditions for a married woman:

  • you have a child (minor and/or adult) at the time of being widowed or
  • you are at least 45 years old at the time of your spouse’s death and you have been married for at least 5 years. If you have been married more than once, the years of marriage will be added together

Conditions for a divorced woman:

  • you have a child (minor and/or adult) and the marriage lasted for at least 10 years or
  • you were over the age of 45 at the time of the divorce and the marriage lasted for at least 10 years or
  • you are over the age of 45 when the youngest child turns 18 or
  • if you have a minor child, you are entitled to the pension until the youngest child reaches the age of 18

If you remarry, you are no longer entitled to a widow’s pension.


Widower’s pension

Conditions for a married man:

  • widowhood occurred after 11 October 2022 and you have a child who is minor and/or adult at the time of widowhood
  • widowhood occurred before 11 October 2022 and you have a child who was under the age of 18 on 11 October 2022

Condition for a divorced man:

If you remarry, you are no longer entitled to a widower’s pension.


Orphan’s pension

Conditions for an orphan's pension:

  • the deceased parent paid OASI contributions for at least one year
  • the child is under the age of 18
  • the child is between 18 and 25 and in training, studying or doing an apprenticeship

Last modification 03.04.2025

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